Chances are you have taken an antibiotic in your lifetime. These medicines are commonly used to treat ear infections in children and sinus infections in adults, among other uses. But antibiotics can be overused or taken incorrectly. It is important to be informed about these medications before taking them. 

Treatment for Bacterial Infections 

Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections from bacteria. They are only used to treat certain bacterial infections*, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat conditions such as: 

• Strep throat.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Skin infections.
• Whooping cough.

You may not need antibiotics for common bacterial infections such as sinus infections* or ear infections*. You should talk with your doctor about the right treatment for your health needs. A doctor can help you decide when you should consider taking an antibiotic for an infection.  

The people who prescribe medicine can judge how frequently you should take antibiotics. But you should be aware of the medications you are taking and ask questions if a doctor prescribes treatments.  

Take as Directed 

It is important to take antibiotics as directed. This means you should finish the full course of antibiotics for the medication to be most effective. Completing the full course of antibiotics helps prevent bacteria from building immunity against the treatment. Be sure to take medications as prescribed. 

When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics in higher concentrations over prolonged periods of time, they can naturally select resistant strains. You don't want to increase the chances of creating resistance.

This is the same reason it is important to limit how often you take antibiotics. If you take them too frequently, you risk developing resistance to the medication. 

Do not take antibiotics when you have a virus. Antibiotics do not help with viral infections.  

When Antibiotics Won’t Help

Antibiotics do not help with allergies. You may not need an antibiotic for colds, the flu or other respiratory illnesses. Antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus. Antibiotics won’t help if you have a cold.  

If you are sick, your doctor may suggest watchful waiting* to see if you need antibiotics. This gives your immune system time to fight off the infection. Within 10 to 14 days symptoms will likely improve* if there’s no need to take an antibiotic. 

Potential Harm 

Another reason to limit use of antibiotics is that these medications kill all bacteria, not just the bad bacteria that make you sick. People have bacteria in their intestines that help digest food. Antibiotics wipe out these bacteria. This can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and nausea. 

Other organisms can develop in the absence of good bacteria after several exposures to antibiotics. This can be particularly true for hospital patients who receive large doses. 

More serious side effects can lead to serious reactions like C. diff infections* and life-threatening allergic reactions. Side effects from antibiotics are the most common cause of medication-related emergency department visits for children. 

Limiting Antibiotic Use 

You should limit your body’s exposure to antibiotics in general. But if you are prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed and follow instructions from your doctor and pharmacist. 

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Make sure you complete the prescribed number of doses in a day. 

Seeking Specialty Care If Needed

For anyone with recurring health concerns, such as sinus issues or frequent infections, it can be important to seek specialty medical help to determine underlying conditions. If you feel like you’re having too many infections, there may be specialists who can help you determine why you have systemic illnesses. 

For example, if you have seasonal allergies, you may need to seek treatment* from an allergist or immunologist to avoid triggers that can prevent recurrent sinus issues, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 

No matter your health condition, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. Ask questions when a care provider requests tests or procedures. This can help you take control of your care and limit unnecessary treatments.  

*These links lead to third-party websites. Those organizations are responsible for the content and privacy policies on their sites.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology are independent organizations that provide health information you may find helpful.